When I was at the University I started working from the beginning of my first Spring term. There was a notice on the board at my department for evening work at the info desk of Helsinki City Theatre. I worked there a few nights every week for a couple of years. As a perk you were allowed to watch the performances if there were any empty seats left, and I took ample advantage.

From the City Theatre I moved to Lilla Teatern, where I experienced almost every job the theatre has to offer, save being an actor. I worked in the cloakroom, the ticket office and the marketing. I was a prompter, and I put up sets and took care of props. Finally I worked as a production assistant and a producer.

Even though a career in literature was my goal, I had such fond memories of working at the theatre that it was a pleasure to go back when the opportunity presented itself 17 years later. As the Administrative Director at the Finnish National Theatre I am responsible for filling the seats, making sure there are sufficient funds to pay salaries, keeping the personnel healthy, the building standing and the bubbly chilled.  After over four years in the job, each day still brings something new to learn. Even a humanist can catch herself getting excited about Excel spreadsheets and articles of company law.